Patent Application
20250143299
The invention relates to pelargonic acid, in particular pelargonic acid compositions having arthropodicidal, particularly insecticidal and/or acaricidal, activity, and to methods of controlling arthropod pests on vegetable plants with pelargonic acid which demonstrate highly effective arthropodicidal activity combined with low phytotoxicity.
Arthropod pests cause significant economic damage in the field of agriculture. In response, solutions have been developed to deter or eradicate arthropods including pesticides, plants expressing resistant traits, and the use of natural predators.
Pelargonic acid has long been known as a non-selective, contact herbicide. It has now been surprisingly found that pelargonic acid used at selected rates is highly effective at controlling pests in vegetables. Due to the favorable environmental profile of pelargonic acid and the fact that it provides an alternative mode of action compared to many insecticides and acaricides currently widely used on vegetables, the present invention represents an important new solution for farmers to control or prevent damage of vegetable plants caused by insect and acari pests.
WO2017042554 relates to an insecticide or acaricide composition which demonstrates low phytotoxicity even at relatively high concentrations combined with highly effective insecticidal and acaricidal activity. The composition comprises: a fatty acid/amino acid salt, the fatty acid component comprising one or more unsaturated fatty acids having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms; and one or more saturated fatty acids having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms.
EP0617888 describes pesticidal compositions including a mixture of a fatty acid salt and an adjuvant to increase spreadability of the fatty acid salt, the adjuvant being either a fatty alcohol of 4-18 carbon atoms, or a fatty acid methyl- or ethyl-ester of 4-18 carbon atoms.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,658 describes arthropodicidal compositions which include a mono alpha carboxylic acid with 8-20 carbon atoms or a metal salt thereof, with a metal ion sequestering agent, chelating agent, or surfactant.
These publications teach that lower fatty acids, e.g., fatty acids having a carbon chain length below about 12 are known to display phytotoxic properties.
Therefore, a pesticide composition, in particular an insecticide and/or acaricide, which maintains effectiveness against pests but demonstrates low phytotoxicity, such as leaf scorching, would be beneficial.
The fact that the pelargonic acid compositions of the present invention are well tolerated by plants at the concentrations required for controlling plant pests allows the treatment of above-ground parts of plants, of propagation stock and the locus of the plants, e.g., of the soil.
According to the invention all plants and plant parts can be treated. By plants is meant all plants and plant populations such as desirable and undesirable wild plants, cultivars and plant varieties.
By plant parts is meant all above ground and below ground parts and organs of plants such as shoot, leaf, blossom and root, whereby for example leaves, needles, stems, branches, blossoms, fruiting bodies, fruits and seed as well as roots, corms and rhizomes are listed. Crops and vegetative and generative propagating material, for example cuttings, corms, rhizomes, runners and seeds also belong to plant parts.
Pelargonic acid, when used according to the present invention, is well tolerated by the environment and when well tolerated by the plants is suitable for protecting plants and plant organs, for enhancing harvest yields and for improving the quality of the harvested material. The pelargonic acid compositions are active against normally sensitive and resistant pest species and against all or some stages of development.
As a skilled person will appreciate, the term “arthropod” is suited to descriptions of the present invention which relates to not only insects but also other organisms falling within the phylum Arthropoda which are relevant in agriculture, such as acari particularly phytopathogenic mites. However, “insect” and in particular “insecticide” are commonly used terms in the field of agriculture hence there may be occurrences where the terms are used interchangeably. It is nonetheless intended that the scope of the invention is understood to encompass agriculturally-relevant arthropods generally.
The compositions according to the invention are valuable active ingredients in the field of pest control, even at low rates of application, which have a very favorable pest control spectrum. The compositions according to the invention act against all or individual developmental stages of normally sensitive, but also resistant, animal pests, such as arthropods, particularly insects or representatives of the order Acarina. The arthropodicidal activity of the compositions according to the invention can manifest itself directly, i.e., in destruction of the pests, which takes place either immediately or only after some time has elapsed, for example during ecdysis, or indirectly, for example in a reduced oviposition and/or hatching rate, a good activity corresponding to a destruction rate (mortality) of at least 40% and higher.
“Low Phytotoxicity” of pelargonic acid, as used herein means that the toxic effect on plants is absent or at such a level so as not to adversely impact the growth and/or yield of the plant under a given set of test conditions, e.g., at a given concentration of pelargonic acid. Phytotoxic effects may be measured in a number of different ways, for example, according to the principals set out in OEPP/EPPO Bulletin (2014) 44(3), 265-273 “PP 1/135 (4) Phytotoxicity assessment”. The phytotoxic effect on plants may be assessed visually as a function of the percentage of discoloration to the leaves and/or the appearance of necrosis. When the pelargonic acid compositions are applied to the foliage of the vegetable plants in accordance with the teachings herein, will typically result in a level of phytotoxicity of less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10% necrosis of the leaves in comparison to untreated plants. Preferred uses of the invention will typically result in phytotoxicity of 7% or less, whilst the most preferred uses will typically result in phytotoxicity of 5% or less. The above values are approximate as any purely visual assessment is likely to contain a degree of subjectivity.
Pelargonic acid, according to the invention, can be used for controlling, i.e., containing or destroying, insect and/or acari pests which occur, in particular, on vegetable plants.
As used herein, the term “vegetable” includes Brassica oleracea (e.g., cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Chinese broccoli, collard greens); Brassica rapa (e.g., turnip, Chinese cabbage, napa cabbage, bok choy); Raphanus sativus (e.g., radish, daikon, seedpod varieties); Daucus carota (e.g., carrot); Pastinaca sativa (e.g., parsnip); Beta vulgaris (e.g., beetroot, sea beet, Swiss chard, sugar beet); Lactuca sativa (e.g., lettuce, celtuce); Asparagus officinalis (e.g., asparagus); Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus lunatus (e.g., green bean, French bean, runner bean, haricot bean, Lima bean); Viciafaba (e.g., broad bean); Pisum sativum (e.g., pea, snap pea, snow pea, split pea); Solanum tuberosum (e.g., potato); Solanum melongena (e.g., eggplant); Solanum lycopersicum (e.g., tomato); Cucumis sativus (e.g., cucumber); Cucurbita spp. (e.g., pumpkin, squash, marrow, zucchini, gourd); Allium cepa (e.g., onion, spring onion, scallion, shallot); Allium sativum (e.g., garlic); Allium ampeloprasum (e.g., leek, elephant garlic); Capsicum annuum (e.g., pepper, bell pepper, sweet pepper); Spinacia oleracea (e.g., spinach); Dioscorea spp. (e.g., yam); Ipomoea batatas (e.g., sweet potato); and Manihot esculenta (e.g., cassava).
Preferred target crops are, in particular, tomatoes, potatoes, okra, spinach, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, or bell peppers.
Plants and plant cultivars which are preferably treated according to the invention include those that are resistant against herbicides or one or more biotic stresses, i.e., said plants show a better defense against animal and microbial pests, such as against nematodes, insects, acari, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses and/or viroids. This includes plants made resistant to the above biotic stress by way of breeding, genetic modification through gene editing, e.g., CRISPR, or transformed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques (i.e., transgenic plants) such that that they are capable of synthesizing one or more selectively acting toxins, such as are known, for example, from toxin-producing bacteria, especially those of the genus Bacillus.
The toxin contained in the transgenic plants imparts to the plant tolerance to harmful insects. Such insects can occur in any taxonomic group of insects, but are especially commonly found in the beetles (Coleoptera), two-winged insects (Diptera) and moths (Lepidoptera).
The term “crops” is to be understood as including also crop plants which have been so transformed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques that they are capable of synthesizing antipathogenic substances having a selective action, such as, for example, the so-called “pathogenesis-related proteins” (PRPs, see e.g., EP-A-0 392225). Examples of such antipathogenic substances and transgenic plants capable of synthesizing such antipathogenic substances are known, for example, from EP-A-0 392225, WO 95/33818 and EP-A-0 353 191. The methods of producing such transgenic plants are generally known to the person skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the publications mentioned above.
Crops may also be modified for enhanced resistance to fungal (for example Fusarium, Anthracnose, or Phytophthora), bacterial (for example Pseudomonas) or viral (for example potato leafroll virus, tomato spotted wilt virus, cucumber mosaic virus) pathogens.
Crops also include those that have enhanced resistance to nematodes.
Particularly useful transgenic plants which may be treated according to the invention are plants containing transformation events, or combination of transformation events, that are listed for example in the databases from various national or regional regulatory agencies.
Plants and plant cultivars which may also be treated according to the invention are those plants which are resistant to one or more abiotic stresses, i.e., that already exhibit an increased plant health with respect to stress tolerance. Abiotic stress conditions may include, for example, drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, flooding, increased soil salinity, increased mineral exposure, ozone exposure, high light exposure, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, limited availability of phosphorus nutrients, shade avoidance. Preferably, the treatment of these plants and cultivars with the composition of the present invention additionally increases the overall plant health.
Plants and plant cultivars which may also be treated according to the invention, are those plants characterized by enhanced yield characteristics i.e., that already exhibit an increased plant health with respect to this feature. Increased yield in said plants can be the result of, for example, improved plant physiology, growth and development, such as water use efficiency, water retention efficiency, improved nitrogen use, enhanced carbon assimilation, improved photosynthesis, increased germination efficiency and accelerated maturation. Yield can furthermore be affected by improved plant architecture (under stress and non-stress conditions), including but not limited to, early flowering, flowering control for hybrid seed production, seedling vigor, plant size, internode number and distance, root growth, seed size, fruit size, pod size, pod or ear number, seed number per pod or ear, seed mass, enhanced seed filling, reduced seed dispersal, reduced pod dehiscence and lodging resistance. Further yield traits include seed composition, such as carbohydrate content, protein content, oil content and composition, nutritional value, reduction in anti-nutritional compounds, improved processability and better storage stability. Preferably, the treatment of these plants and cultivars with the composition of the present invention additionally increases the overall plant health.
Examples of the above-mentioned insect and acari pests include: pests from the phylum of the Arthropoda, in particular from the class of the Arachnida, for example Acarus spp., for example Acarus siro, Aceria kuko, Aceria sheldoni, Aculops spp., Aculus spp., for example Aculus fockeui, Aculus schlechtendali, Amblyomma spp., Amphitetranychus viennensis, Argas spp., Boophilus spp., Brevipalpus spp., for example Brevipalpus phoenicis, Bryobia graminum, Bryobia praetiosa, Centruroides spp., Chorioptes spp., Dermanyssus gallinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermacentor spp., Eotetranychus spp., for example Eotetranychus hicoriae, Epitrimerus pyri, Eutetranychus spp., for example Eutetranychus banksi, Eriophyes spp., for example Eriophyes pyri, Glycyphagus domesticus, Halotydeus destructor, Hemitarsonemus spp., for example Hemitarsonemus latus (=Polyphagotarsonemus latus), Hyalomma spp., Ixodes spp., Latrodectus spp., Loxosceles spp., Neutrombicula autumnalis, Nuphersa spp., Oligonychus spp., for example Oligonychus coffeae, Oligonychus coniferarum, Oligonychus ilicis, Oligonychus indicus, Oligonychus mangiferus, Oligonychus pratensis, Oligonychus punicae, Oligonychus yothersi, Omithodorus spp., Omithonyssus spp., Panonychus spp., for example Panonychus citri (=Metatetranychus citri), Panonychus ulmi (=Metatetranychus ulmi), Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Platytetranychus multidigituli, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Psoroptes spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Rhizoglyphus spp., Sarcoptes spp., Scorpio maurus, Steneotarsonemus spp., Steneotarsonemus spinki, Tarsonemus spp., for example Tarsonemus confusus, Tarsonemus pallidus, Tetranychus spp., for example Tetranychus canadensis, Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Tetranychus turkestani, Tetranychus urticae, Trombicula alfreddugesi, Vaejovis spp., Vasates lycopersici;
Preferably, the compositions of the present invention are effective against Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Cerotoma trifurcata, Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica spp., for example, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Disonycha xanthomelas, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix spp., for example Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Listronotus oregonensis, Metriona bicolor, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Delia platura, Delia radicum, Liriomyza sativae, Ophiomyia simplex, Pegomya hyoscyami, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis spp., for example, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Anasa tristis, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Brachycorynella asparagi, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Agrotis ipsilon, Colias eurytheme, Evergestos rimosalis, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca spp., for example, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Melittia cucurbitae, family Noctuidae, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Pieris rapae, Plathypena scabra, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Ptorimaea operculella, Spodoptera spp., for example, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Tuta absoluta, Frankliniella tritici and Thrips tabaci.
In one embodiment, the vegetable plant is selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper or Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, and the plant pest comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Systena blanda, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and Tuta absoluta.
In one embodiment, the vegetable plant is selected from Phaseolus spp., Viciafaba or Pisum sativum and the plant pest comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Epilachna varivestis, Delia platura, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis fabae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Halyomorpha halys, Colias eurytheme, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis and Plathypena scabra.
In one embodiment, the vegetable plant is Brassica oleracea and the plant pest comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Diabrotica speciosa, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, Delia radicum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Evergestos rimosalis, Pieris rapae, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Frankliniella tritici and Thrips tabaci.
In one embodiment, the vegetable plant is Cucurbita spp. and the plant pest comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Aphis gossypii, Erthesina fullo, Anasa tristis, Melittia cucurbitae and Trichoplusia ni.
In one embodiment, the vegetable plant is selected from Ipomoea batatas, preferably sweet potato, Asparagus officinalis, preferably asparagus, and Allium cepa, preferably, onion, and the plant pest comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, family Elateridae, Metriona bicolor, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Erthesina fullo, Ophiomyia simplex, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Brachycorynella asparagi, Agrotis ipsilon, family Noctuidae and Thrips tabaci.
In one embodiment, the vegetable plant is selected from Spinacia oleracea, preferably spinach, Lactuca sativa, preferably lettuce, and Daucus carota, preferably carrots, and the plant pest comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Disonycha xanthomelas, Listronotus oregonensis, Systena blanda, Liriomyza sativae, Pegomya hyoscyami, Erthesina fullo, Myzus persicae, Lygus lineolaris, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Helicoverpa zea, family Noctuidae, Spodoptera exigua, and Trichoplusia ni.
In one embodiment, the vegetable plant is Solanum tuberosum, preferably potato, and the plant pest comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epitrix spp., Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Delia platura, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Agrotis ipsilon, Manduca spp. and Ptorimaea operculella.
The compositions of the present invention comprise pelargonic acid, a liquid or solid carrier and, optionally, one or more customary formulation auxiliaries, which may be liquid or solid, for example surfactants, antifoams, for example silicone oil, preservatives, clays, inorganic compounds, viscosity regulators, binders and/or tackifiers. The composition may also further comprise a fertilizer, a micronutrient donor or other preparations which influence the growth of plants.
Preferably, the pelargonic acid compositions are foliarly applied to the vegetable plants. Examples of foliar formulation types for pre-mix compositions are GR: Granules; WP: wettable powders; WG: water dispersable granules (powders); SG: water soluble granules; SL: soluble concentrates; EC: emulsifiable concentrate; EW: emulsions, oil in water; ME: micro-emulsion; SC: aqueous suspension concentrate; CS: aqueous capsule suspension; OD: oil-based suspension concentrate, and SE: aqueous suspo-emulsion. The type of pelargonic acid composition is to be selected to suit the intended aims and the prevailing circumstances.
The formulation components that are suitable for the preparation of the compositions according to the invention are known per se.
As liquid carriers there may be used: water, toluene, xylene, petroleum ether, vegetable oils, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, acid anhydrides, acetonitrile, acetophenone, amyl acetate, 2-butanone, butylene carbonate, chlorobenzene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, alkyl esters of acetic acid, diacetone alcohol, 1,2-dichloropropane, diethanolamine, p-diethylbenzene, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol abietate, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, α,α-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,4-dioxane, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, diproxitol, alkylpyrrolidone, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethylene carbonate, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 2-heptanone, alpha-pinene, d-limonene, ethyl lactate, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, gamma-butyrolactone, glycerol, glycerol acetate, glycerol diacetate, glycerol triacetate, hexadecane, hexylene glycol, isoamyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, isooctane, isophorone, isopropylbenzene, isopropyl myristate, lactic acid, laurylamine, mesityl oxide, methoxy-propanol, methyl isoamyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl laurate, methyl octanoate, methyl oleate, methylene chloride, m-xylene, n-hexane, n-octylamine, octadecanoic acid, octylamine acetate, oleic acid, oleylamine, o-xylene, phenol, polyethylene glycol, propionic acid, propyl lactate, propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, p-xylene, toluene, triethyl phosphate, triethylene glycol, xylenesulfonic acid, paraffin, mineral oil, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, ethyl acetate, amyl acetate, butyl acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and alcohols of higher molecular weight, such as amyl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, hexanol, octanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and the like.
Suitable solid carriers are, for example, talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, limestone, calcium carbonate, bentonite, calcium montmorillonite, cottonseed husks, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, ground walnut shells, lignin and similar substances.
A large number of surfactants can advantageously be used in both liquid and solid formulations, especially in those formulations which can be diluted with a carrier prior to use. Surfactants may be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or polymeric and they can be used as emulsifiers, wetting agents or suspending agents or for other purposes. Typical surfactants include, for example, salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulfate; salts of alkylarylsulfonates, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol/alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol ethoxylate; alcohol/alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecylalcohol ethoxylate; siloxanes, silicones, silanes, silicates and siliconates; soaps, such as sodium stearate; salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryltrimethylammonium chloride, polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono- and di-alkylphosphate esters; esters of stearate and also further substances described e.g. in McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, MC Publishing Corp., Ridgewood New Jersey (1981).
The compositions according to the invention can include an additive comprising an oil of vegetable or animal origin, a mineral oil, alkyl esters of such oils or mixtures of such oils and oil derivatives. The amount of oil additive, when present, in the composition according to the invention is generally from 0.01 to 10%, based on the mixture to be applied. For example, the oil additive can be added to a spray tank in the desired concentration after a spray mixture has been prepared. Preferred oil additives comprise mineral oils or an oil of vegetable origin, for example rapeseed oil, olive oil or sunflower oil, emulsified vegetable oil, alkyl esters of oils of vegetable origin, for example the methyl derivatives, or an oil of animal origin, such as fish oil or beef tallow. Preferred oil additives comprise alkyl esters of C8-C22 fatty acids, especially the methyl derivatives of C12-C18 fatty acids, for example the methyl esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid (methyl laurate, methyl palmitate and methyl oleate, respectively). Many oil derivatives are known from the Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, 10th Edition, Southern Illinois University, 2010.
As with the nature of the formulations, the methods of application, such as foliar, drench, spraying, atomizing, dusting, scattering, coating or pouring, are chosen in accordance with the intended objectives and the prevailing circumstances.
Whereas commercial products will preferably be formulated as concentrates (e.g., pre-mix or ready-mix compositions), the end user will normally employ dilute formulations (e.g., spray mix, spray tank or tank-mix (when combined with other pesticides or formulation auxiliaries) compositions).
Generally, the pre-mix compositions comprise 0.1 to 99%, especially 15 to 90%, of pelargonic acid and 0 to 99.9% of at least one liquid or solid carrier, and 0 to 35%, especially 0.1 to 20%, of the composition to be formulation auxiliaries, e.g., surfactants (% in each case meaning percent by weight in the pre-mix composition).
Generally, a spray mix or spray tank formulation for foliar or soil application comprises 0.05 to 20%, especially 0.1 to 15%, of pelargonic acid, and 99.95 to 80%, especially 99.9 to 85%, of a liquid carrier, and 0 to 20%, especially 0.1 to 15%, of formulation auxiliaries, e.g., surfactants (% in each case meaning percent by weight in the tank-mix composition).
The rates of application (grams of pelargonic acid/hectare or g/ha) vary and depend on the method of application, the crop plant, the pest to be controlled, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the method of application, the time of application and the target crop. For foliar application, sprayable mixtures of the pelargonic acid compositions are prepared at a concentration that, when applied at a given spray rate, delivers pelargonic acid to the plants in an amount of from 300 to 6,500 g/ha, preferably 450 to 4,500 g/ha.
For example, preferably the pelargonic acid composition is applied at a dilution containing pelargonic acid at less than about 6,500 g/ha, preferably less than about 4500 g/ha, most preferably about 1300 g/ha. In preferred aspects, the compositions of the present proposals are provided at a dilution containing the pelargonic acid at between about 300 and about 6,500 g/ha, preferably between about 450 and about 4,500 g/ha, most preferably between about 500 and about 1,300 g/ha. At higher concentrations, phytotoxicity, e.g., leaf scorching, becomes more prevalent, e.g., above about 10,000 g/ha of pelargonic acid. At lower concentrations, e.g., below about 300 g/ha of pelargonic acid, the arthropodicidal, e.g., insecticidal and acaricidal, effectiveness decreases when used alone.
The present compositions have been demonstrated to have low phytotoxicity, e.g., exhibiting zero or acceptable leaf scorching, at rates of e.g., 1,300 g/ha or even up to 4,500 g/ha of pelargonic acid depending on the crop and its growth stage.
Methods of using the present compositions for controlling arthropod, preferably insect and/or acari, pests on vegetable plants are also part of the present invention. For example, the compositions are preferably used at a dilution, e.g., those dilutions preferred above, to provide effective insecticidal/acaricidal properties coupled with low phytotoxicity. In preferred aspects, these methods relate to the killing of specific pests such as insects and acari selected from Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Cerotoma trifurcata, Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica spp., for example, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Disonycha xanthomelas, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epilachna varivestis, Epitrix spp., for example Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Listronotus oregonensis, Metriona bicolor, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Delia platura, Delia radicum, Liriomyza sativae, Ophiomyia simplex, Pegomya hyoscyami, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis spp., for example, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Anasa tristis, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Brachycorynella asparagi, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Agrotis ipsilon, Colias eurytheme, Evergestos rimosalis, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca spp., for example, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Melittia cucurbitae, family Noctuidae, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridroma saucia, Pieris rapae, Plathypena scabra, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Ptorimaea operculella, Spodoptera spp., for example, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Tuta absoluta, Frankliniella tritici and Thrips tabaci.
Embodiment A relates to a method of controlling arthropod pests, preferably insect and/or acari pests, on vegetable plants, which comprises applying a pesticidally effective amount of pelargonic acid to a pest, to a locus of a pest, or to a plant susceptible to attack by a pest.
Embodiment B relates to a method for controlling and/or preventing damage by infestation of arthropod pests, preferably insect and/or acari pests, on vegetable plants, which comprises applying a pesticidally effective amount of pelargonic acid to a plant.
Embodiment C relates to the use of pelargonic acid on vegetable plants for controlling and/or or preventing damage by infestation of arthropod pests, preferably insect and/or acari pests.
Embodiment D relates to the use of pelargonic acid in the manufacture of an arthropodicide for controlling and/or or preventing damage to vegetable plants by infestation of arthropod pests, preferably insect and/or acari pests.
Embodiment E relates to an arthropodicidal composition for the control of arthropod pests on vegetable plants, comprising pelargonic acid.
In preferred embodiments of A to E, the vegetable plant is selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper or Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, and the arthropod pest is selected from Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix fuscula, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Systena blanda, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Lygus lineolaris, family Pentomidae, family Aleyrodidae, Helicoverpa zea, Manduca sexta, Manduca quinquemaculata, Ostrinia nubilalis, Peridromasaucia, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and Tuta absoluta. Preferably, the vegetable plant is tomato and the arthropod pest is selected from Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Halyomorpha halys, Spodoptera exigua, and Tuta absoluta.
In one of Embodiments A to E, the vegetable plant is selected from Phaseolus spp., Viciafaba or Pisum sativum and the arthropod pest is selected from Tetranychus urticae, Cerotoma trifurcata, Diabrotica speciosa, Epilachna varivestis, Delia platura, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis fabae, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Halyomorpha halys, Colias eurytheme, Helicoverpa zea, Ostrinia nubilalis and Plathypena scabra. Preferably, the arthropod pest is selected from Diabrotica speciosa, Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis fabae and Halyomorpha halys.
In one of Embodiments A to E, the vegetable plant is Brassica oleracea and the arthropod pest is selected from Diabrotica speciosa, Phyllotreta cruciferae, Phyllotreta striolata, Delia radicum, Brevicoryne brassicae, Erthesina fullo, Lipaphis erysimi, Myzus persicae, Halyomorpha halys, Evergestos rimosalis, Pieris rapae, Plutella xylostella (=Plutella maculipennis), Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, Frankliniella tritici and Thrips tabaci.
In one of Embodiments A to E, the vegetable plant is Cucurbita spp. and the arthropod pest is selected from Tetranychus urticae, Acalymma vittatum, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Aphis gossypii, Erthesina fullo, Anasa tristis, Melittia cucurbitae and Trichoplusia ni.
In one of Embodiments A to E, the vegetable plant is selected from Ipomoea batatas, preferably sweet potato, Asparagus officinalis, preferably asparagus, and Allium cepa, preferably, onion, and the arthropod pest is selected from Crioceris asparagi, Crioceris duodecimpunctata, Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, family Elateridae, Metriona bicolor, family Scarabaeidae, Systena spp., Systena blanda, Delia antiqua, Erthesina fullo, Ophiomyia simplex, Phytomyza gymnostoma, Tritoxa flexa, Brachycorynella asparagi, Agrotis ipsilon, family Noctuidae and Thrips tabaci.
In one of Embodiments A to E, the vegetable plant is selected from Spinacia oleracea, preferably spinach, Lactuca sativa, preferably lettuce, and Daucus carota, preferably carrots, and the arthropod pest is selected from Diabrotica speciosa, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Disonycha xanthomelas, Listronotus oregonensis, Systena blanda, Liriomyza sativae, Pegomya hyoscyami, Erthesina fullo, Myzus persicae, Lygus lineolaris, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Helicoverpa zea, family Noctuidae, Spodoptera exigua, and Trichoplusia ni.
In one of Embodiments A to E, the vegetable plant is Solanum tuberosum, preferably potato, and the arthropod pest is selected from Tetranychus urticae, Diabrotica speciosa, family Elateridae, Epicauta spp., Epitrix spp., Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Delia platura, Empoasca fabae, Erthesina fullo, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Agrotis ipsilon, Manduca spp. and Ptorimaea operculella. Preferably, the pest is selected from Diabrotica speciosa, Leptinotarsa decemlineata and Myzus persicae.
Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Aphis spp., and to methods for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Aphis spp., comprising applying pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, in a pesticidally effective amount to the useful plants, preferably when the Aphis spp. are present, wherein the useful plants are selected from Cucurbita spp., Phaseolus spp., Viciafaba and Pisum sativum. Aphis spp. include Aphis citricola, Aphis craccivora, Aphis fabae, Aphis forbesi, Aphis glycines, Aphis gossypii, Aphis hederae, Aphis illinoisensis, Aphis middletoni, Aphis nasturtii, Aphis nerii, Aphis pomi, Aphis spiraecola and Aphis vibumiphila. Preferably, Aphis spp. is Aphis fabae or Aphis gossypii.
Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Diabrotica spp., and to methods for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Diabrotica spp., comprising applying pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, in a pesticidally effective amount to the useful plants, preferably when the Diabrotica spp. are present, wherein the useful plants are selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper or Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, Phaseolus spp., Viciafaba or Pisum sativum, Brassica oleracea, Cucurbita spp., Ipomoea batatas, preferably sweet potato, Asparagus officinalis, preferably asparagus, and Allium cepa, preferably, onion, Spinacia oleracea, preferably spinach, Lactuca sativa, preferably lettuce, and Daucus carota, preferably carrots, Solanum tuberosum, preferably potato.
Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Spodoptera spp., and to methods for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Spodoptera spp., comprising applying pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, in a pesticidally effective amount to the useful plants, preferably when the Spodoptera spp. are present, wherein the useful plants are selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper, Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, Brassica oleracea, Spinacia oleracea, Lactuca sativa and Daucus carota. Spodoptera spp. include Spodoptera eradiana, Spodoptera exigua, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera praefica. Preferably, Spodoptera spp. is Spodoptera exigua or Spodoptera frugiperda.
Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Tetranychus urticae, and to methods for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Tetranychus urticae, comprising applying pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, in a pesticidally effective amount to the useful plants, preferably when the Tetranychus urticae are present, wherein the useful plants are selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper, Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, Phaseolus spp., Vicia faba, Pisum sativum, Cucurbita spp., and Solanum tuberosum, preferably potato.
Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and to methods for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Leptinotarsa decemlineata, comprising applying pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, in a pesticidally effective amount to the useful plants, preferably when the Leptinotarsa decemlineata are present, wherein the useful plants are selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper, Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, and Solanum tuberosum, preferably potato.
Other embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Myzus persicae, and to methods for controlling or preventing damage of useful plants by Myzus persicae, comprising applying pelargonic acid, or derivatives thereof, in a pesticidally effective amount to the useful plants, preferably when the Myzus persicae are present, wherein the useful plants are selected from Solanum lycopersicum, preferably tomato, Capsicum annuum, preferably pepper, bell pepper and sweet pepper, Solanum melongena, preferably, eggplant, Brassica oleracea, Spinacia oleracea, preferably spinach, Lactuca sativa, preferably lettuce, Daucus carota, preferably carrots, and Solanum tuberosum, preferably potato.
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for growing vegetable plants comprising applying or treating the vegetable plants thereof with a pelargonic acid composition.
The activity of the compositions according to the invention can be broadened considerably, and adapted to prevailing circumstances, by adding additional pesticidally active agents to the pelargonic acid compositions. Compositions comprising combinations of (A) pelargonic acid and (B) at least one additional pesticidally active agent (i.e., other than pelargonic acid) may also have further surprising advantages which can also be described, in a wider sense, as super-additive (“synergistic”) effects. Thus, for example, by using or employing the compositions in the treatments as set forth herein, reduced application rates and/or a widening of the activity spectrum and/or an increase in the activity better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soil salt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, bigger fruits, larger plant height, greener leaf color, earlier flowering, higher quality and/or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, higher sugar concentration within the fruits, better storage stability and/or processability of the harvested products are possible, which exceed the effects which were actually to be expected.
One embodiment relates to compositions comprising (A) pelargonic acid and (B) at least on additional pesticidally active agent, as well as the use of the compositions of (A) and (B) in the methods and uses as set forth herein.
One embodiment relates to combinations comprising (A) pelargonic acid and (B) at least on additional pesticidally active agent, as well as the use of the combinations of (A) and (B) in the methods and uses as set forth herein.
One embodiment relates to a method for reducing overall damage of vegetable plants and vegetable plant parts caused by arthropod pests, preferably insect and/or acari pests, comprising the step of applying (A) pelargonic acid alone or in combination with (B) at least one additional pesticidally active agent, as defined herein, to a plant.
One embodiment relates to a method for increasing crop yield and/or the quality of food commodities from vegetable plants comprising the step of applying (A) pelargonic acid alone or in combination with (B) at least one additional pesticidally active agent, as defined herein to a plant.
As used herein, the expression “combination” stands for the various combinations of (A) pelargonic acid and (B) the at least one pesticidally active agent, for example in a single “ready-mix” or “pre-mix” form, in a combined spray mixture composed from separate formulations of the single active compounds, such as a “tank-mix”, and in a combined use of the single active ingredients when applied in a sequential manner, i.e., one after the other within a reasonably short period, such as a few hours or days, e.g.; 2 hours to 7 days. Preferably, the order of applying the pelargonic acid and the at least one pesticidally active agent is not essential for working the present invention. Accordingly, the term “combination” also encompasses the presence of pelargonic acid composition and the at least one pesticidally active agent on a plant that has been treated.
The ratio of (A) pelargonic acid and (B) any additional pesticidally active agents is selected such that, when applied to the vegetable plants, the pelargonic acid and the pesticidally active agents are delivered at their respective desired rates, e.g., as taught on a product label or as can be determined by one experienced in the field, required for pest control. Because the application rates for the additional pesticidally active agents can vary greatly from one another, the general ratios of pelargonic acid to the additional active agent also can vary greatly. The compositions comprising mixtures of pelargonic acid with additional pesticidally active agents described above comprise pelargonic acid and an active agent as described above preferably in a mixing ratio of from 1000:1 to 1:1, preferably in a weight ratio of 700:1 to 10:1, more preferably in a weight ratio of 500:1 to 30:1, and most preferably in a weight ratio of 100:1 to 1:100.
Suitable additional pesticidally active agents here are, for example, representatives of the following classes of active ingredients:
In a preferred embodiment, said pesticidally active agent is selected from the group consisting of (1) Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors which are carbamates and preferably selected from alanycarb, aldicarb, bendiocarb, benfuracarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, ethiofencarb, fenobucarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, triazamate, trimethacarb, XMC and xylylcarb, or organophosphates, preferably selected from acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenvinphos, chlormephos, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, coumaphos, cyanophos, demeton-S-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos/DDVP, dicrotophos, dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, disulfoton, EPN, ethion, ethoprophos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fenthion, fosthiazate, heptenophos, imicyafos, isofenphos, isopropyl O-(methoxyaminothiophosphoryl) salicylate, isoxathion, malathion, mecarbam, methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate, oxydemeton-methyl, parathion-methyl, phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, profenofos, propetamphos, prothiofos, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion, quinalphos, sulfotep, tebupirimfos, temephos, terbufos, tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos, triclorfon and vamidothion;
In one embodiment, the compositions comprise (A) pelargonic acid and (B) one or more of the following pesticidally active agents: abamectin, acephate, acetamiprid, acrinathrin, afidopyropen, aldicarb, amitraz, azocyclotin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, broflanilide, buprofezin, cadusafos, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, clofentezine, clothianidin, cyantraniliprole, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cyhexatin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, cyromazine, deltamethrin, dicofol, diflubenzuron, dimethoate, dimpropyridaz, disulfoton, emamectin benzoate, esfenvalerate, ethiprole, ethoprophos, etofenprox, etoxazole, fenamiphos, fenazaquin, fenbutatin oxide, fenitrothion, fenoxycarb, fenpropathrin, fenpyroximate, fenvalerate, fipronil, flonicamid, fluazaindolizine, flubendiamide, flufenoxuron, tau-fluvalinate, fosthiazate, hexythiazox, imidacloprid, indoxacarb, lufenuron, malathion, metaflumizone, metam, methamidophos, methiocarb, methoxyfenozide, novaluron, oxamyl, parathion-methyl, permethrin, phorate, pirimicarb, profenofos, propargite, pymetrozine, pyridaben, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spiropidion, spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, tefluthrin, terbufos, tetraniliprole, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, tioxazafen.
In one embodiment, the pesticidally active agent (B) is a biological control agent.
As used herein, “biological control” is defined as control of an insect and/or an acarid and/or a nematode by the use of an organism such as a microorganism or metabolite produced by such microorganism. In some cases, biological control is also achieved by the use of naturally occurring compounds or compounds derived from such naturally occurring compounds.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biological control agent comprises not only the isolated, pure cultures of the respective fungus or bacterium, in particular the pesticidally active fungus or bacterium but also suspensions in a whole broth culture or a metabolite-containing supernatant or a purified metabolite obtained from whole broth culture of the fungal or bacterial strain. “Whole broth culture” refers to a liquid culture containing both cells and media. “Supernatant” refers to the liquid broth remaining when cells grown in broth are removed by centrifugation, filtration, sedimentation, or other means well known in the art. According to another embodiment, the biological control agent comprises the isolated, pure cultures of the respective fungus or bacterium formulated in a suitable formulation apart from its fermentation broth, as described further below.
Said biological control agent may be an insecticidally active biological control agent selected from the group consisting of:
Capex from Andermatt Biocontrol); Agrotis segetum nucleopolyhedrovirus A (AgseNPV); Anagrapha falcifera multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnfaNPV); Antheraea pemyi nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV); Chrysodeixis chalcites nucleopolyhedrovirus (ChchNPV); Clanis bilineata nucleopolyhedrovirus (ClbiNPV); Euproctis pseudoconspersa nucleopolyhedrovirus (EupsNPV); Hyphantria cunea nucleopolyhedrovirus (HycuNPV); Leucania separata nucleopolyhedrovirus (LeseNPV); Maruca vitrata nucleopolyhedrovirus (MaviNPV); Orgyia leucostigma nucleopolyhedrovirus (OrIeNPV); Orgyia pseudotsugata single nucleopolyhedrovirus (OpSNPV); Panolis flammea nucleopolyhedrovirus (PafINPV); Rachiplusia ou multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (RoMNPV); Erinnyis ello (homworm) GV (ErelGV), e.g. isolate VG010; Artogeia rapae granulovirus (ArGV); Pieris brassicae granulovirus (PbGV), e.g. isolate 384; Choristoneura fumiferana granulovirus (ChfuGV), e.g. isolate Bonaventure; Cryptophlebia leucotreta (false codling moth) granulovirus (CrIeGV) (e.g. Cryptex from Andermatt Biocontrol), e.g. isolate CV3; Cydia pomonella (codling moth) granulovirus (CpGV) (e.g. Madex® products from Andermatt Biocontrol, Carpovirus Plus from AgroRoca SA), e.g. isolate M1; Harrisina brillians granulovirus (HabrGV), e.g. isolate M2; Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) granulovirus (HearGV); Lacanobia oleracea granulovirus (LaolGV), e.g. isolate SI; Phthorimaea operculella (tobacco leaf miner) granulovirus (PhopGV) (e.g. Tutavir from Andermatt Biocontrol, Matapol); Plodia interpunctella granulovirus (PiGV), e.g. isolate B3; Plutella xylostella granulovirus (PlxyGV) (e.g. Plutellavex® from Keyun), e.g. isolate KI; Pseudalatia unipuncta granulovirus (PsunGV), e.g. Hawaiian isolate; Trichoplusia ni granulovirus (TnGV), e.g. isolate M10-5: Xestia c-nigrum granulovirus (XecnGV), e.g. isolate alpha4; Agrotis segetum granulovirus (AgseGV), e.g. isolate Xinjiang; Choristoneura occidentalis granulovirus (ChocGV); Spodoptera litura (oriental leafworm moth) granulovirus (SpliGV), e.g. isolate KI; Neodiprion lecontei (red-headed pinesawfly) nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeleNPV) (e.g. Lecontvirus from SYLVAR); Neodiprion sertifer (Pine sawfly) nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeseNPV) (e.g. Neocheck-S developed by the US Forestry Service; Gilpinia hercyniae nucleopolyhedrovirus (GiheNPV), e.g. isolate i7; Neodiprion abietis (balsam-fir sawfly) nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeabNPV) (e.g. ABIETIV from SYLVAR); Culex nigripalpus nucleopolyhedrovirus (CuniNPV), e.g. isolate from Florida (1997); Aedes sollicitans nucleopolyhedrovirus (AesoNPV); Uranotaenia sapphrinia nucleopolyhedrovirus (UrsaNPV); Spodoptera albula (gray-streaked armywom moth) NPV (e.g. VPN-ULTRA from Agricola El Sol); Biston suppressaria (tea looper) NPV; Dendrolimus punctatus (Masson pine moth) CPV; Leucomasalicis (satin moth) NPV; Spodoptera frugiperda granulovirus (SfGV), e.g. isolate ARG; Spodoptera sunia nulear polyhedrosisvirus (e.g. VPN 82 from Agricola El Sol); Pieris rapae (small white) GV (PiraGV); Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm) nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeNPV) (e.g. Keyun SeNPV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus.
Said biological control agent may be a nematicidally active biological control agent selected from the group consisting of
Preferred biological control agents are Bacillus thuringiensis; Chromobacterium subtsugae, Bacillus popilliae; Beauveria bassiana; Lecanicillium muscarium; Metarhizium anisopliae; Isaria fumosorosea; Lagenidium giganteum; Nosema locustae; Helicoverpa zea single nucleopolyhedrovirus; Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus; Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus; Adoxophyes orana (summer fruit tortrix) granulovirus; Cydia pomonella (codling moth) granulovirus; Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm) granulovirus; Plodia interpunctella granulovirus; Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm) nucleopolyhedrovirus; Zucchini yellow mosaic virus; Bacillus firmus; Pasteuria nishizawae; Pasteuria usgae; Purpureocillium lilacinum and Myrothecium verrucaria.
The mixtures as described above can be used in a method for controlling pests, which comprises applying a composition comprising a mixture as described above to the pests or their environment, with the exception of a method for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy and diagnostic methods practiced on the human or animal body.
The combinations comprising mixtures of pelargonic acid and one or more active agents as described above can be applied, for example, in a single “ready-mix” form, in a combined spray mixture composed from separate formulations of the single active agent components, such as a “tank-mix”, and in a combined use of (A) a pelargonic acid and (B) a separate composition comprising the additional active agent when applied in a sequential manner, i.e., one after the other with a reasonably short period, such as a few hours or days. The order of applying the pelargonic acid and the active agents as described above is not essential for working the present invention.
A preferred method of application in the field of crop protection is application to the foliage of the plants (foliar application), it being possible to select frequency and rate of application to match the danger of infestation with the pest in question.
The following examples illustrate the invention in a non-limiting fashion.
All applications below were made with an EC formulation containing 650 g/L of pelargonic acid (e.g., 685 g/L of 95% purity pelargonic acid), an anionic emulsifier and a branched fatty acid ester solvent. The treatment names for the pelargonic acid compositions used in the following examples indicate the total g/ha based on the application rate e.g., the 650 EC formulation applied at 1 L/ha is identified as PA 650 g/ha; an application rate of 1.5 L/ha is identified as PA 975 g/ha.
Abbreviations used in the following examples include:
Tomato—Spodoptera exigua (Beet Armyworm)
Trial conducted in 4 replicates on plots of 10 plants each. Application A was made at the occurrence of the insects.
The statistical design of this study was a completely randomized blocks design including 4 replicates. The homogeneity of variance was tested for all treatments and assessment dates by means of the Bartlett's test. In order to study the effect of the applied treatments for each assessment data, means were compared using Student-Newman-Keuls (p=0.05).
Spodoptera
Spodoptera
Spodoptera
exigua
exigua
exigua
Tomato—Tuta absoluta (Tomato Leafminer)
Trial conducted in 4 replicates on plots of 25 plants each. Application was made at the occurrence of the insects.
Application A was made to the crop at Stage BBCH 63; Application B was made 14 days after Application A at Stage BBCH 72.
Insects present at the time of application: at App A 0.3/plot, at App B in untreated: 34/plot
Efficacy is assessed by checking on the leaves the % of damage caused by the insects.
Tuta
Tuta
Tuta
Tuta
Tuta
absoluta
absoluta
absoluta
absoluta
absoluta
Comparison of the levels of phytotoxicity of pelargonic acid to a commercially important insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole) for tomato.
Application A was made to the crop at Stage BBCH 63-64; Application B was made 14 days later.
Comparison of the levels of phytotoxicity of pelargonic acid to a commercially important insecticide (Spinosad) for tomato.
Application A was made to the crop at Stage BBCH 63-71; Application B was made 14 days after Application A at Stage BBCH 65-71.
Peas—Aphis fabae (Black bean aphid)
The trial was conducted on peas, variety Batuta, 4 replicates per plot. A water volume of 200 L water/ha was used for each application. Two applications were made, Application A was made at first infestation and Application B was made 14d later. Each plot at least 12 m2.
Insects present at the time of application: at App A 197/20 shoots, at App B in untreated: 443/20 shoots.
Aphis
Aphis
Aphis
Aphis
fabae
fabae
fabae
fabae
Peas—Acyrthosiphon pisum (Pea Aphid)
Trial conducted on peas, variety Navarro, 4 replicates per plot. Each plot was at least 12 m2, a water volume of 200 L water per ha was used for the application.
Insects present at the time of application A: 106 aphids per 20 shoots. The stage of the crop at application A was BBCH 75-77, and at application B, (14 DAA) BBCH 79-81.
Acyrthosiphon
Acyrthosiphon
Acyrthosiphon
pisum
pisum
pisum
Additional trials were conducted comparing the levels of phytotoxicity of pelargonic acid to two commercially important Deltamethrin products for peas, Decis™ Mega 50 EW and Scatto™ insecticides.
Application A was made to the crop at Stage BBCH 61-63; Application B was made 14 days later.
Potatoes—Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado Potato Beetle)—LEPTNDE
Trial 1: Potatoes, variety Lady Amarilla, 4 replicates per plot, each plot at least 25 m2. A water volume of 200 L water/ha was used for each application. Two applications were made at a 14d interval.
Application made at the occurrence of the insects. Application A was made at Stage BBCH 36, application B was made 14 days later at Stage BBCH 51.
Insects present at the time of application: at App A 39/10 plants at App B in untreated: 35/10 plants.
Leptinotarsa
Leptinotarsa
decemlineata
decemlineata
Trial 2: Potatoes, 4 replicates per plot, each plot at least 25 m2. A water volume of 200 L water/ha was used for each application. Two applications were made at a 14d interval.
Application made at the occurrence of the insects. Application A was made at Stage BBCH 39-41, application B was made 14 days later at Stage BBCH 41-44.
Insects present at the time of application: at App A: 9/10 plants at App B in untreated: 44/10 plants
A total of 3 trials with treatment list as above were assessed for phytotoxicity. Each trial had 0% phyto (PHYGEN) at each assessment timing for each treatment.
Comparison of the levels of phytotoxicity of pelargonic acid to a commercially important insecticide (Deltamethrin) for potato.
Application made at the occurrence of the insects. Stage of the crop at application A: BBCH 37-38; application B was made 14 days later Stage BBCH 55-59.
Potatoes—Myzus persicae (Green Aphids)—MYZUPE
Potatoes, variety Agata, 4 replicates per plot. A water volume of 200 L water/ha was used for each application. Two applications were made at a 14d interval.
Application made at the occurrence of the insects. Application A was made at Stage BBCH 38-41, application B was made 14 days later at Stage BBCH 41-43.
Insects present at the time of application: at App A 93 aphids per 25 leaves at App B in untreated: 160 aphids per 25 leaves
Potatoes—Diabrotica speciosa (Cucurbit Beetle)—DIABSC
A water volume of 400 L water/ha was used for each application. Application A made at the occurrence of the insects; application B was made 7 days later.
A water volume of 400 L water/ha was used for each application. Application A made at the occurrence of the insects; application B was made 7 days later.
Each plot was 15 m2.
5.15 insects per 20 plants were present at the time of application.
Dry Beans—Diabrotica speciosa
Trial 1: A water volume of 150 L water/ha was used for each application. Two applications were made at a 7d interval. Application A was made at first infestation.
Each plot was 15 m2.
Trial 2: A water volume of 150 L water/ha was used for each application. Two applications were made at a 7d interval. Application A was made at first infestation.
Each plot was 15 m2.
Halyomorpha halys were obtained from a lab strain that was mass reared for several generations from a field strain. Egg masses were provided at the same stage (2-3 days before hatching) in order to test same egg masses conditions.
Bioassay, consisting in egg masses immersion, was carried out dipping the egg masses by means of lab forceps for two second inside three different PA product concentrations (100 ppm, 50 ppm and 33 ppm), one treatment with a commercial standard (Trebon up, a.i., Etofenprox) and a treatment with only water (untreated Check) were performed. 4 replicates were performed (1 egg mass is considered 1 replicate).
Assessments were conducted at 1, 2, 4 days after application, egg mortality and larvae hatching from eggs were recorded, raw data were processed with ARM software. All the statistical procedures [Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK)], Anova and other calculation analysis were performed using the ARM 2020.0 software.
Spodoptera exigua were obtained from a lab strain that was mass reared for several generations. Eggs were collected at the same stage in order to test same egg conditions. 50 eggs were treated per condition. Eggs were treated with the product using a forceps and paper wick. Larval emergence and survival were observed under the microscope until day 3 after treatment.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22154603.9 | Feb 2022 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/051490 | 1/23/2023 | WO |
